Royal Caribbean Blog

Cruising has changed a lot each decade, and some aspects of what it was like to go on a cruise are now reserved to stories from those that experienced it over 40 years ago.

Royal Caribbean has been making history for decades. While many, myself included, weren't alive when Royal Caribbean first set sail, the company has consistently been a pioneer in the cruise industry. 

From the launch of Song of Norway in 1970 to the introduction of the world's largest and most innovative cruise ships at sea today, Royal Caribbean has continued to redefine what a cruise vacation should be. 

Along with creating bigger and bolder ships, the cruise line has adapted to societal changes and responded to cultural shifts and passenger expectations. As such, many traditions that were once prevalent on their fleet have disappeared to meet the demands of a new generation of cruisers. 

Here are some traditions that you will no longer find aboard Royal Caribbean ships. 

Casino Night

While Royal Caribbean hasn't gotten rid of casinos, the tradition of Casino Night on two-week cruises, where guests would take on the role of dealers, is no longer offered. 

Passengers could see what it was like to be a blackjack dealer or croupier with lowered bet amounts (10 cents per bet) for other guests who wished to try their luck. However, the special event wasn't held in the regular casino. Instead, crew members would set up blackjack tables and wheels of fortune in the Main Lounge. 

Today, Royal Caribbean continues to evolve the overall casino experience by introducing non-smoking areas and more electronic gaming options than ever before. 

Read more: What it was like to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 1970s

Souvenir Passenger List

All guests sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise would be given a list with the names and hometowns of all fellow passengers onboard. The booklet would also detail specific information about the crew, including the Captain's and Cruise Director's names, the itinerary, and more. 

The souvenir passenger lists would be printed during the sailing and delivered to everyone's cabins. Of course, this would not fly today with heightened privacy and safety concerns. 

Believe it or not, I've seen passenger lists from former voyages for sale on eBay! 

Masquerade Events

Theme nights are still popular aboard Royal Caribbean ships. However, the old-fashioned masquerade events have disappeared. At the costume gala, guests with the Most Humorous, Most Original, and Most Artistic costumes were awarded prizes.

While, like today, passengers were encouraged to bring costumes from home, crew members could provide materials to have guests create their own on board. Unfortunately, you won't find a slew of 80s-themed clothing available at the last minute for the party in the Royal Promenade. 

It also wasn't uncommon for cruise companions, such as dinner tablemates, to decide to participate together. 

Ladies Night

Like Casino Night, Ladies Night was offered on two-week cruises. While you might see a "Ladies Pamper Party" advertised in today's Cruise Compass, the two couldn't be more different. 

The special event had four rules:

• Ladies must ask the gentlemen to dance, and they must not refuse
• Ladies must escort the gentlemen to the dance floor and return them to their seats
• Ladies must buy the gentlemen drinks
• Ladies must light the gentlemen's cigarettes 

Read more: Vintage photos show what life was like on a Royal Caribbean cruise before the megaships

White Elephant Auction Sale 

It's easy to get caught up in the fun of buying souvenirs ashore or onboard. Sometimes, however, cruisers may regret their $15 t-shirt or random necklace. 

Royal Caribbean used to host a White Elephant Auction Sale at the end of every cruise. Passengers could bring unwanted goodies to the Main Lounge, and an auctioneer would try to sell them to another guest. 

If your item went unsold or didn't beat the price you listed, it would be returned to you. 

Skeet Shooting

It's almost unbelievable that guns were once kept on cruise ships for recreational activities. 

Still, skeet shooting was offered on Royal Caribbean cruises on sea days. Passengers could shoot clay pigeons off the back of the ship for an extra charge. 

Unfortunately, it's now a thing of the past, as the activity was removed from ships due to safety and liability concerns. Not only that, but it's prohibited to throw objects into the ocean today. 

Read more: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

Passenger Talent Night

Passenger Talent Night was almost like an evening in the Spotlight Karaoke lounge with a broader range of performances. 

Guests could sing, dance, perform magic tricks, play a musical instrument, or anything else they were brave enough to confidently do in front of other passengers and crew. 

Today, while karaoke remains a favorite activity, Royal Caribbean has shifted towards more structured entertainment, including Broadway-style performances, ice skating shows, game shows hosted by the activities team, and more. 

Afternoon Tea

Unless sailing on a premium or upscale line (including Princess and Cunard), you likely won't find afternoon tea on the daily schedule. 

However, Royal Caribbean used to offer tea and pastries every afternoon. It was a beloved tradition where guests could relax with a cup of tea and chat with fellow passengers. 

While there may not be a dedicated tea service, tea is still included in your cruise fare. You will find tea bags and hot water in venues like the Windjammer and Cafe Promenade.  

Two of Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships are undergoing upgrade and maintenance work at the very same time.

It's commonplace for cruise ships to take a break from service every few years to get work done, but having two giants out of commission is a bit unusual.

Allure of the Seas is in Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain, while Anthem of the Seas is in a shipyard in Singapore.

Here's what we know about the work Royal Caribbean has ordered for both ships.

Upgrading Allure of the Seas

The biggest upgrade to any Royal Caribbean ship over the last five years is happening with Allure of the Seas.

Allure of the Seas launched in 2010, instantly capturing the attention of the world alongside Oasis of the Seas. The 225,282 gross registered ton vessel was the largest cruise ship in the world until the launch of Harmony of the Seas

Due to the cruise industry shutdown of 2020, Allure never got upgrades that were originally planned.

Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean is making them on Allure now, and they'll be ready for the ship to resume service in April.

The new features are called a "Royal Amplification", and it goes well beyond a simple drydock refurbishment.

Over $100 million is being spent on upgrades, including:

• Overhaul of pool deck to add resort look
• Pesky Parrot is replacing the Champagne Bar
• New water slides
• Splashaway Bay replaces the H2O Zone
• Addition of the Ultimate Abyss slide
• Mason Jar replaces Teen Club (the club moves to a new location)
• Revamped Adventure Ocean and Teen Club
• Playmakers Sports Bar replaces Sabor Mexican Restaurant
• 30 new cabins added
  • Vitality Cafe has been replaced with cabins
• Addition of an escape room
• Laser tag will be offered on select days

One change to Allure that has just been revealed is there will be a new aqua show onboard.

The fans have been asking — and Allure of the Seas℠ finally delivers a sequel to the fan-favorite show, Aqua80. Sit back and get into the 80s groove. The decade’s biggest hits set the tempo as high divers, slackliners and 3D aerialists deliver the stunts, the energy, the drama, the action and the fun. All rolled into one AquaTheater spectacular — Aqua80Too.

Instead of OceanAria Aquashow, Royal Caribbean will add Aqua80s Too.

This is an aqua show dedicated to the music of the 1980s decade.  It's a copy of the show from Utopia of the Seas, although early reports are it will not have flying performers or a slack line.

Another change that could be forthcoming is the implantation of destination elevators.

The company tested retrofitting destination elevators already on Allure of the Seas last year, and Utopia of the Seas has it onboard. We'll have to wait and see once passengers get onboard.

Allure has been in drydock since February, but should be complete with the work next week before resuming service on April 11.

The ship will sail from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia) on 7-night cruises that visit Spain, France, and Italy.

In the fall, Allure returns to the United States to sail 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises.

Maintenance work for Anthem of the Seas

On the other side of the world, Anthem of the Seas arrived at Tuas shipyard to begin her scheduled work.

Unlike Allure, Anthem isn't getting a major upgrade. All cruise ships go in for maintenance every 5 years or less, and it's akin to bringing your car in for a tune up.

Anthem arrived at the shipyard March 22, and will remain at the shipyard until mid-April.

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcements of what type of work will happen while Anthem is out of service, and that usually means the ship is going in simply for maintenance work, and not to get major upgrades.

Typically this sort of work sees fixes and replacements for public spaces, such as carpeting, floors, and more.  

A lot of the work is focused on the ship's engines and propulsion systems to ensure they stay in good working order for an additional five years.

Without any official statement, we'll have to wait and see what changes occur onboard once the ship restarts cruises.

Anthem of the Seas is scheduled to resume sailings April 13, 2025 with a 12-night repositioning from Singapore to Japan.

A transpacific sailing is also planned, as the ship will move to Alaska for the summer cruise season.

In the fall, Anthem moves back across the Pacific once again to offer cruises from Australia.

Going on a cruise ship is unlike other kinds of vacations, especially when it comes to preparing and packing for the trip.

In truth, it's easy enough to go on a cruise and plenty of people go on cruises without much planning and have a good time. However, the difference between a "good vacation" and a "great vacation" lies with good prep.

Royal Caribbean cruises are an inviting family vacation choice that packs so much for families to enjoy, both onboard the ship and ashore in the places you'll visit.

While I don't think you need to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe, accessories, and travel add-ons to have a really good cruise, there are some things I'd recommend to anyone going on their first Royal Caribbean cruise to get started. Think of these as a starter pack for your first cruise.

Grab your online shopping cart, as I share the seven things I'd recommend anyone going on a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time should buy.

Motion sickness remedies

You probably won't get seasick on your cruise, but just in case, it's smart to have things with you to combat it.

A lot of first time cruisers worry about getting seasick, but the reality is the ship won't move as much as you think.  But just like anytime you've ever been motion sick in the past, it was probably a surprise that it happened.

The good news is even if you do get seasick, it's easy to treat.

I'd recommend buying over-the-counter medications that you can take either proactively or once seasickness symptoms begin.

Bonine and Dramamine are the two brands most people buy, and I've used them too.  They work quickly and the only side effect is usually feeling sleepy. (This link contains an affiliate link)

There's also kids formulas that have less of the active ingredient.

Be sure to look at the various forms, especially if you want to drink alcohol.

There are other alternatives, such as seabands or even a prescription from your doctor to take.

I bet this will end up being a waste of money, but it's smart to have some, just in case.

Packable beach bag

It's easy to overlook a beach bag as something you can use on a cruise.

Having a beach bag or small backpack is so helpful getting all your stuff on and off the ship in port.  You'll need to bring towels, identification, books, spare clothing, and electronics with you and a bag is so much easier than pockets.

Plus, you can use this bag when you're going to the pool deck as well.

You don't need to go crazy with buying something expensive, because it's going to accumulate sand and water as you use it. It's merely a vessel to easily organizing all your stuff into one bag.

There are some good and inexpensive beach bags you can buy for your cruise that you'll be able to re-use on many future sailings. (This link contains an affiliate link)

Casual and theme night attire

I think a lot of first time cruisers are concerned with having the right clothing with them for the cruise.

While Royal Caribbean does have dress codes, they're rarely enforced and pretty casual.  However, a lot of families love to get into the spirit of things with the theme night attire.

Every evening there will be a theme night, and it's up to you if you want to dress up for it or not.

Of course, it helps to know before the cruise begins what clothing you'll need. You can figure out the theme nights before you board and then shop appropriately to have the right stuff.

Remember, these themes are optional. So if you see Caribbean night or Red night listed, it's up to you if you want to get matching outfits for the entire family.

If you plan to eat in the Main Dining Room or a specialty restaurant, you will need to pack nicer clothing for those meals. Don't worry, it doesn't have to look like a black tie affair.

There are lots of outfit ideas, but something nicer than what you'd wear to the pool deck is pretty much the minimum.

Sunscreen and aloe vera gel

If you don't have sunscreen, you're asking for a problem later.

Even in the winter months, the Caribbean sun is very strong and there's always a few passengers that are burnt by the second day.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and apply it early and often. I'd recommend re-applying every couple of hours because it washes off easily in the water. 

Sunscreen is a good start, but also buy aloe vera for when the inevitably sunburn occurs. (These links contains an affiliate links)

Aloe vera makes the pain and discomfort that comes with sunburn more bearable, and it's a good backup in case you do get burnt.

Magnetic hooks

Ask anyone that cruises a lot what they always pack, and the answer is probably going to include magnets.

Your cruise ship cabin is a lot smaller than most hotel rooms, and definitely smaller than your bedroom at home.

Storage space can be at a premium on a cruise, but magnetic hooks are so helpful. These magnets can be placed just about anywhere in your room because the walls and ceiling are made of metal.

It's great for keeping clothes off the ground. Plus, you could also get magnets that have clips to help with papers and receipts.

Be sure to get heavy duty magnetic hooks so that it can handle the weight of wet clothes. (These links contains an affiliate links)

Cruise approved outlet extender

Older Royal Caribbean cruise ships (anything built before 2010) don't have nearly as many power outlets as you'll need.

In fact, only the newest ships even have USB outlets onboard, and most are USB-A plugs.

I'd recommend buying an outlet extender, but be sure it's one that is permissible by the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean recently restricted the type of outlet extenders you can bring, and they'll confiscate it if it doesn't adhere to the requirements.

Essentially, you can bring any outlet extender that only has one A/C outlet, but as many USB outlets as you like.  This is one such device I recommend, and is allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. (Yes, another affiliate link!)

Buying a USB hub means you can keep all your devices charged without fighting over outlets.

Travel alarm clock or nightlight

There are no clocks in your cabin, so a travel alarm clock is quite helpful.

I use my phone for an alarm, but it's so much more useful to have a clock you can open one eye and check the time.

This is especially helpful in an inside cabin.  Interior rooms have no natural light, so you'll have no idea if it's 4am or 4pm.

A fun idea is to buy a sunrise alarm clock, because it has a gradual light that mimics the sun rising.  Plus, it even has noise you can sleep to: birds, running water, white noise, and more.

In January 2024, Royal Caribbean introduced the world’s biggest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. Years of planning, designing, and constructing finally came to fruition when Icon of the Seas sailed on her inaugural itinerary from Miami, Florida. It won’t be long until her sister ship, Star of the Seas, debuts later this year.

While Icon of the Seas made huge waves in the cruise industry in 2024, she was met with plenty of pomp and circumstance. Few modern cruise ships have garnered as much attention as Icon did.

However, Icon of the Seas was in the works long before her inaugural sailing. The cruise line said more than seven years of dreaming are behind the inception of its newest ship class. In October 2016, Royal Caribbean and the Meyer Turku shipyard announced the order of a brand-new ship class under the project name “Icon.”

The cruise line also registered a trademark for the name “Icon of the Seas” that same year. The cruise line announced the order of a third Icon class ship in 2019, which we know now will be named Legend of the Seas.

The first steel for Icon of the Seas was cut in June 2021, and construction took place over 900 days in Turku, Finland - or approximately 2.5 years of construction. The ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean in November 2023 before setting sail on her inaugural voyage on January 27, 2024.

As the world’s biggest cruise ship, you can imagine the cost to build Icon of the Seas isn’t cheap. In short, the construction of Icon of the Seas cost an estimated $2 billion USD to build. This makes it one of the most expensive ships ever constructed!

For comparison, Royal Caribbean spent an estimated $1.4 billion USB to build Allure of the Seas, while Celebrity Cruises spent $900 million on Celebrity Beyond. Similarly, Carnival Celebration cost around $1 billion, and Norwegian Cruise Line paid around $850 million for Norwegian Prima.

Royal Caribbean’s investment in the Icon class was monumental. The massive investment reflects the cruise line’s bold vision for Icon of the Seas, including her cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art amenities. Not to mention, the sheer size of the ship clocks in at 250,800 gross tons!

Here’s a deeper look at the design and construction of one of the most groundbreaking cruise ships ever built.

Design and Project Initiative for Icon of the Seas

When Royal Caribbean began designing Icon of the Seas, the cruise line wanted to make history. Between Royal Caribbean’s in-house teams and trusted partners in supply chain, the cruise line was determined to push boundaries with Icon of the Seas.

As a new ship class, Royal Caribbean had a complex journey for the first vessel in its Icon class. The new vessel needed to be the first of its kind, incorporating new elements of innovation that other cruise lines had yet to attempt. Royal Caribbean utilizes an in-house design lab for research, which incorporates virtual reality into the design element.

For instance, the new ship design aimed to incorporate more ocean views, allowing passengers to see the sea while cruising aboard the massive ship.

The cruise line envisioned expansive, multi-deck glass windows to highlight the sea. However, this required reengineering the ship’s structural support to accommodate the weight distribution.

This is how the Pearl - a standout feature in the Royal Promenade - came to life. The steel sphere is at the ship’s center and replaces the bulky port and starboard support beams.

Jay Schneider, the chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean Group, states how the Pearl has three different purposes. He explained, “To pull off the full glass façade, that superstructure pressure had to go somewhere. So the Pearl really does three jobs.”

“Yes, it’s an arrival moment. Yes, we think it’s going to be an amazing, awe-inspiring experience for people. And the heavy beams for the superstructure of the ship essentially run through the Pearl. And the Pearl takes on the weight at this point of the ship,” continued Schneider.

However, the purpose of the Pearl is supporting the stress of the ship: “Everybody else creates the same old cruise ships that follow the normal structure.”

Royal Caribbean collaborated with many esteemed design firms to create Icon of the Seas, such as Wilson Butler Architects, 3Deluxe, RTKL, and Skylab Architecture. This includes the intricate deck layouts and integration of technological amenities. Other redesigned spaces on the new ship class included the addition of the AquaDome, Absolute Zero ice-skating arena, and a reimagined Royal Promenade.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean needed to incorporate new technologies aboard Icon of the Seas

With more ships on order, Royal Caribbean needed to act quickly for developmental solutions. However, this isn’t always a smooth process. Testing new technologies that work on land to operate efficiently and properly at sea is a long process. The cruise line is also heavily focused on sustainability.

Royal Caribbean stated in April 2023, “From large-scale systems, including the first waste-to-energy system at sea, to the smallest details like LED lightbulbs, every program and application will play a part in making the world’s best vacation the most sustainable Royal Caribbean International ship yet.”

In particular, the Icon class ships would incorporate new liquified natural gas (LNG) fuel technology to power the ship. Royal Caribbean says the ship has six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines, which can be fueled by LNG and distillate fuel.

Read more: How much does a cruise ship cost to operate per day?

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s first ship powered by LNG. This type of flexible fuel does not use any sulfur, which contributes to acid rain and air pollution, and operates with lower carbon emissions and reduced nitrogen oxides. The cruise line has also introduced the use of fuel cell technology, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

"We believe fuel cells offer very interesting design possibilities," said Harri Kulovaara, Royal Caribbean’s Chief of Ship Design in a 2016 press release.

"As the technology becomes smaller and more efficient, fuel cells become more viable in a significant way to power the ship's hotel functions. We will begin testing those possibilities as soon as we can, and look to maximize their use when Icon class debuts,” explained Kulovaara.

When the Icon class was first announced, Royal Caribbean had already been eyeing the use of fuel cells for more than one decade. The cruise line felt the technology was in a stage of development to justify the investment, banking on future regulatory standards that needed to be developed for the technology to be utilized.

Kulovaara said at the time, ”There is a long lead time for Icon class, and we will use that time to work with Meyer Turku to adapt fuel cell technology for maritime use." Kulovaara said that additional regulatory standards would also need to be developed for the technology.

With Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability, the cruise line needed to invest heavily in LNG technology for Icon class ships. The cruise line states that Icon of the Seas is 24% more energy efficient than required by international regulations. In fact, the cruise line is continuing to push towards its ambitious goal of introducing a net-zero ship by 2035.

Constructing Icon Class ships requires a significant workforce and substantial material expenses

A substantial part of Royal Caribbean’s investment went into the extensive labor required to build the Icon class ships. As mentioned, the construction for Icon of the Seas spanned over the course of 2.5 years.

The labor cost to actually build a cruise ship is always substantial, but even more so when you’re building a ship as large as Icon of the Seas. Hundreds of millions of dollars were likely poured into labor costs for building Icon of the Seas.

The entire construction process took place in the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, which has built many of Royal Caribbean’s other ships. Ships are built in blocks and assembled together like Legos. Thousands of workers were required to construct the new massive vessel, which took place almost entirely at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

The process of building Icon of the Seas was long and grueling, taking around 900 days for the ship to be built. For instance, the cruise line shared footage of the AquaDome being placed on the ship. At the time, the cruise line said the “unnamed, 175-metric-ton sphere” took four days of preparation and a day-long transfer by barge before being lifted onto the ship.

Many of the employees worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure the project was completed on time. Royal Caribbean stated that nearly 3,000 people were working every day for the construction of the new ship.

Read more: Royal Caribbean unveils changes to make Star of the Seas even better than Icon of the Seas

Examples of labor necessary included engineers, designers, safety officers, welders, electricians, and more to contribute to the construction of Royal Caribbean’s latest ship. Not to mention, Royal Caribbean dealt with the logistical nightmare of constructing its new ship during the pandemic throughout 2020 and 2021.

In November 2023, Royal Caribbean stated, “Thousands involved have since accomplished a series of milestones and never-before-seen feats, like the installation of the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship and engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and more.”

Materials are also expensive for building a ship, especially with rising costs in recent years.

With a ship as large as Icon of the Seas, there was a significant cost of materials for the cruise line. The shipyard partnered with Metalcolour Group to supply over 250,000 square meters of laminated steel for the construction of the ship. This included materials for wall panels, ceilings, doors, and wet units aboard the ship.

Other necessary materials included components of the six LNG-powered engines, the ship’s interior design, necessary furniture, stateroom amenities, and more. Unfortunately, a small fire broke out at the shipyard in February 2023 aboard Icon of the Seas that also damaged some materials.

Icon of the Seas is home to many different state-of-the-art amenities, which are costly

Just like building a house, outfitting a cruise ship requires an investment in furnishings, amenities, and décor to create a welcoming and immersive environment.

Given the immense size of Icon of the Seas, it’s no surprise that Royal Caribbean likely allocated a significant budget to equip the ship with high-end features and amenities.

Icon of the Seas offers unparalleled luxury with her eight distinct neighborhoods, including the innovative AquaDome. This is the first of its kind, acting as a multifunctional space encased in a striking glass and steel dome.

The Icon class is also packed with state-of-the-art amenities and exhilarating attractions. Each of these required substantial financial investment to bring Royal Caribbean’s vision to life. However, Royal Caribbean knew these enticing features of the ship would help increase demand for the new vessel.

For example, take a look at the ship’s impressive top deck. This is home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea and a first for Royal Caribbean. Designing, testing, and constructing such a groundbreaking feature was undoubtedly a costly endeavor, as it set a new industry benchmark.

Beyond the waterpark, Icon of the Seas also introduces several first-of-their-kind experiences, including the world’s first suspended infinity pool, the Crown’s Edge skywalk and obstacle course, and the ever-popular FlowRider surf simulator.

These cutting-edge additions highlight the cruise line’s commitment to innovation and delivering an unparalleled guest experience—an investment that undoubtedly comes with a hefty price tag.

Ultimately, Icon Class ships are some of the most expensive ships to build in the world!

Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship at sea, and Royal Caribbean’s massive investment has paid off. The cruise line has reported unprecedented demand for the new ship, with record-breaking bookings. Royal Caribbean invested an immense amount of resources, including time and money, to design Icon of the Seas.

The success cannot be understated. Royal Caribbean Group reported exceptional financial results in the third quarter of 2024, with total revenue reaching $4.9 billion and a net income of $1.1 billion. The cruise line attributes part of this financial success to the deployment of Icon of the Seas, which has been a key factor in the cruise line’s sky-high demand.

The Icon class has set new benchmarks in the cruise industry, and the sister ships of Icon of the Seas are likely to be just as successful - and expensive - for the cruise line.

One of the biggest cruise ships in the world is getting some serious new options.

Allure of the Seas is undergoing massive upgrades to add new features, restaurants, and things to do onboard.

Royal Caribbean took the massive Oasis Class ship out of service in order to spend a few weeks working on the ship. The ship is at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.

In total, the work will cost over $100 million.

Spanish site Diaro de Cadiz, shared a video of what the work looks like onboard, and what the cruise line is changing.

The purpose of these upgrades is to better align Allure with the rest of the fleet.  Like hotels on land, cruise ships need regular updates to remain relevant and appealing to passengers.

Changes include the addition of water slides, the Pesky Parrot Bar, a revamped pool deck, new staterooms, an Ultimate Abyss slide, and many updates around the ship to make it look refreshed.

Allure of the Seas will re-enter service in April, offering a summer cruise season in the Mediterranean with 7-night voyages.

Following Allure's season in Europe, she'll reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2025. Allure will homeport in Port Everglades through October 2026, minus a short stint in Galveston, Texas, in March and April 2026. 

New water slides

New water slides are being added to Allure, which offer a new thrill onboard.

There were no water slides on Royal Caribbean ships when the Oasis Class ships were first built, but the line has been adding them to all of its big ships ever since.

The Perfect Storm slides are included in the cruise cost.

Speaking of aquatic fun, Splashaway Bay will also be added to replace the H2O Zone onboard.

Resort-style pool deck

The pool deck is getting a new look to make it look more contemporary and fun.

Expect more color to the pool deck, along with refinished surfaces.

This includes not only Caribbean inspired decor, but new seating, updated hot tubs, and the addition of The Lime & Coconut pool bar.

Ultimate Abyss slide

A big thrill will be added to Allure of the Seas with the Ultimate Abyss.

Spanning 10 stories, it's a fun and fast dry slide that whisks guests down to the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Speaking of the Boardwalk, it too is getting refreshed.  A lot of the work in any cruise ship refurbishment is to replace carpeting, flooring, and panels.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is replacing Sabor with Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

New bars

One major change is the addition of the Pesky Parrot bar on Allure.

The Pesky Parrot is a new concept first added to Utopia of the Seas, and it's a tiki bar.  It replaces the Champagne Bar on the Royal Promenade.

In addition, Allure will be getting the Mason Jar added.

It will be added to deck 15, where the teen club used to be.  This is a Southern American specialty restaurant. It's available on Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, and has one of the best bars in the fleet.

More changes coming to Allure

The scope of the work coming to Allure is quite a lot, including the addition of 30 new cabins to the ship.

One cabin is the Ultimate Panoramic Suite near the ship's bridge. It offers 914 square feet of space and sweeping 200 degree views from wall to wall and floor to ceiling glass windows.

The teen club is getting moved to a new location (and a new name Social298), and Adventure Ocean kids club are getting a refresh too.

A revamped Adventure Ocean space will include:

• Play Place, the AO Theater
• Hands-on art, science and tech at Workshop
• Physical, interactive games at Arena
• The Hangout
• Dedicated programs for babies and younger kids

Laser tag will be held in Studio B at select times, where guests are given laser tag vests and guns to try to outplay the other team.

Cruise vacations aren't necessarily cheap, especially on the new Royal Caribbean ships. 

Depending on when you sail, how many people are going with you, and the specific itinerary you select all contribute to driving up the cost of your cruise fare.

Then there's the price of food, which may increase your vacation budget. Royal Caribbean includes a lot of meals in your vacation, but there's the option to spend more too.

However, there are a few strategies to do Royal Caribbean on a budget and advice you can follow to keep some extra money in your pocket to spend on a fun shore excursion or even a new sailing.

Here are five Royal Caribbean food hacks that will save you money.

Bring a reusable water bottle

You're going to get thirsty on your cruise, even on sailings to not-so-warm destinations.  And if you're headed to the Caribbean, all that heat and humidity will drain you quickly.

You could spend money on buying water by the plastic bottle onboard, but there's an easier option. To save money, bring your own refillable water bottle instead.

There are water stations that cost nothing to use around your ship.  There's always one at Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-Tudes/Pearl Cafe that you can use.  

Royal Caribbean won't allow you to directly fill the water bottle, but you can easily use one of the plastic cups to transport it into your cup.

The top favorites among cruisers are the same ones you probably have seen at home: Stanley Cups, Yeti Cups, or Hydroflask are all excellent ideas. (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use). 

If you are bringing one of these cups, I've seen more and more cruisers also getting a water bottle holder with them so you don't have to hold it all the time. This makes taking it around the ship far more convenient.

Not only will bringing a reusable water bottle save you money on paying for water bottles, you will be able to stay hydrated a heck of a lot easier.

You can bring snacks from home

You won't go hungry on a Royal Caribbean ship because of how much is included in your cruise fare, but that doesn't mean your favorite snacks are offered.

It wasn't until I had kids that I saw the value in bringing snacks on my cruise.

It's so convenient to have the snacks my kids like in my cabin.  I'm talking Goldfish crackers, Pringles potato chips, toddler snacks, and more.

The rule is it just has to be a sealed snack bag, so unfortunately, you cannot bring leftovers or fruit with you onboard.

For adults, how about your favorite chocolates, protein bars, nuts, and other handy snacks you might like to have in your room?

One tip is to not bring those snacks off the ship with you.

Many countries have strict rules about taking food off the ship, so keep them to enjoy in your stateroom.

Look for wandering waiters trying to sell you a reservation

Specialty restaurants all cost extra, but there could be a way to enjoy them without paying full price.

This is a "YMMV" type hack, but if you ever spot a restaurant waiter walking around the Royal Promenade, Centrum or near the Windjammer and he or she is offering to make a reservation, you should be prepared with this question:

"Can I get a discount if I book with you right now?"

Their job is to drum up business for new restaurant bookings, so it doesn't hurt to ask for a discount.

They may offer you half off, a free bottle of wine, or some other money saving option.

Sometimes they need to call their manager to ask, but you won't know until you ask.

Typically, I see most of these waiters on embarkation day.  The first day of a cruise is usually the least busy at specialty restaurants, so keep an eye out for them.

Eat at lunch instead of dinner

Another specialty restaurant tip is to consider lunch to save money.

In some cases, the cost of lunch is cheaper than dinner and it's practically the same menu.

Plus, it’s usually less crowded then going for dinner.

A great example of this is Izumi Hibachi, where dinner costs $70 onboard the ship for dinner, but lunch costs $40.  It's the exact same menu and experience.

Giovanni's is usually cheaper too for lunch, and it's menu is nearly identical.  Ditto for Chops Grille or Hooked. 

The Mason Jar has a different brunch menu from dinner, but it's also cheaper for the former than the latter.

Skip dining packages

Don't assume you need a dining package to have great meals on your cruise.

From a pure money saving perspective, you'll find lots of good food in both the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet.

The Windjammer has a lot of international cuisine offered, including fabulous Indian options and even cooking stations.

There is no shortage of really good food on a cruise ship, but a bar on the world's biggest cruise ship has food options not available on any other ship.

The Trellis Bar is the focal point of Central Park on every ship with this neighborhood, but Royal Caribbean tweaked the offering a bit with Icon of the Seas.

While not technically a secret, it's not well known that there are food options you can order at the Trellis Bar on Icon.

In fact, very few bars on Royal Caribbean ships offer food at all.  You can't even get peanuts or pretzels to munch on as you drink.

I remember reading that there would be food at the Trellis Bar on Icon of the Seas, but I overlooked it with so many other options to consider.

Over the last few months, some readers alerted me to the fact that the food was really good here.

Don and Judy Goldstein are purveyors of the Trellis Bar on any ship they visit, and they recommended not only having a glass of wine at this bar, but trying the food.

On my recent sailing, I decided to give it a try.

A small menu, but it's to the point

If you look for the menu when you sit down at the bar, you'll need to spot one hidden among the bar menus.

Most people walk up to the bar, order a drink, and are then on their way.  Tables go quickly, especially in the evening.

There's just 7 items on the menu, but each one hits the important notes.  Better to do a few things well, than a lot of things mediocre.

We ordered five out of the seven items to try for lunch on a sea day.  In fact, I chose to eat here not only for research purposes, but because I lamented repeating other specialty restaurants because I think the ship needs another signature restaurant.

The chicken on the Caesar salad was incredibly moist

I started off with the Caesar salad and impulsively added the chicken on top of it.

What impressed me about this was how juicy the chicken was on this salad. I'm so used to chicken on salads being tough and cold, but this was freshly cooked and sliced right on top.

It was a good omen for the rest of the meal.

The steak bites blew me away

If you order one thing at the Trellis Bar, it should be the steak bites. Run, don't walk, and order them.

We ate a lot of steak at different restaurants around Icon, but the steak bites are next level tasty.

The reason they're so good is they are glazed with sweet Thai chili sauce.  Don't worry, it's not spicy at all.

I shared a plate with my wife, but I instantly regretted not ordering one just for me.  

This is now one of those must-order items every time I sail on Icon.

Mac and cheese bites are the perfect comfort snack

The mac and cheese poppers are the kind of food you don't seek out, but when you see it on the menu, you want it.

The name "poppers" is apt, as these are fried balls of mac and cheese you can easily toss in your mouth to eat.

It's a great sharing appetizer to have, and had we not indulged in every steak bite we could find, we would have eaten more of the poppers.

A really large burger patty made this burger stand out

Why is this burger different from all other burgers on Icon of the Seas?

You can get a burger at so many different places around the ship, including many being free.

At the Trellis Bar, this is dry-aged burger from Chops Grille. The process of dry aging meat is supposed to enhance the beefy flavor of the burger that result from the natural enzymes in the meat breaking down during the aging process.

I'm not an expert on dry aged food, but I can tell you it was a really good burger, and I was more impressed by how big the patty was than anything else.

While the Trellis Bar isn't a pub, I've always had an affinity for a burger and a beer for lunch.

Lunch at the Trellis Bar is an easy to miss treat

There are so many good restaurants on Icon of the Seas, including some fantastic included options.  

While I would never fault someone for eating at Aquadome Market instead, I think the food at Trellis Bar is fantastic too.

I ate here on day six of the sailing, and I think it's perfect for when you get well into the sailing and then start looking for some variety in the food choices.

It might be the perfect food to try to tide yourself over until a meal later, or sit down for a lunch like I did.

After giving Royal Caribbean's VIP add-on pass  a try on my recent Wonder of the Seas cruise, I understand the critics more than the fans. 

The Key is an optional purchase that includes certain benefits, such as internet access, reserved seating in the theaters, an exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room, priority ship-to-shore departure at tender ports of call, and more.

After over one dozen cruises with the family-friendly cruise line, I decided to finally splurge on the pricey add-on since it was my partner's first Oasis Class cruise. Sailing on one of the world's largest ships, I wanted to make the experience even more special. 

Plus, we both needed Wi-Fi for work, so it was easier to justify the extra cost since The Key includes one VOOM Surf & Stream package per person. In total, The Key came out to $517.86 for our 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida.

However, because Oasis Class ships are too big to use tenders, that was one less perk off the bat. Instead, I focused on making use of our onboard perks.

While I appreciated dropping off my carry-on backpack and having reserved seating, I didn't feel the price was worth it and wouldn't purchase The Key again. 

Embarkation was easy without using The Key's priority terminal access

On embarkation day, we took a Lyft from our hotel in Orlando to the airport to catch our pre-arranged shuttle bus through Go Port. Because the earliest shuttle wasn't scheduled to depart until 10:00am, I knew we wouldn't be the first passengers inside the terminal. 

However, I was worried that since we were missing the Key's priority arrival, we'd be turned away since we had a 1:00pm check-in time. Thankfully, my concerns were unfounded, as we were welcomed into the terminal with no issue. 

Overall, our embarkation process was smooth, which was a direct reflection of the efficiency of the team at Port Canaveral, rather than The Key itself. We were onboard the ship within fifteen minutes of stepping foot inside the terminal. 

The exclusive welcome lunch was nice

Although it was only 11:30am, we headed straight to the Main Dining Room to drop off our heavy carry-on bags and sit down for the exclusive lunch. 

We walked straight up to the check-in desk, where crew members tagged our backpacks and asked if we were ready to eat. We thought about returning an hour later but decided to go ahead and eat before the crowds arrived. 

A helpful crew member immediately escorted us to a private table for two, though another couple was seated extremely close soon thereafter. It felt strange considering how many other seats were available, but it didn't ruin the experience. 

The menu wasn't as large as the standard dinner menu; however, it included a decent variety of options. I was a little disappointed to see that there wasn't a dedicated vegetarian entrée. 

Though I was content with a shrimp cocktail and filet mignon, my partner didn't find the options as appealing as someone who doesn't eat red meat. Instead, she ordered two appetizers and a dessert. 

My filet mignon was cooked well, and my partner’s Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail appetizers were fine. 

The best course was the New York Cheesecake, though having both lived in the Big Apple, it still fell short.

Generally speaking, the quality of the exclusive lunch didn't seem on par with what was advertised to help justify the expensive VIP experience. 

While at lunch, we pursued the sheet given us to during check-in about all the benefits available to us during our 7-night cruise which included: 

• Carry-on luggage drop-off on Deck 4 until 1:30pm on embarkation day + delivery straight to our cabin
• Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille menu
• Private hours at ship activities
• Dedicated reserved seating at shows in the theater, AquaTheater, and Studio B
• One VOOM Surf & Stream Wi-Fi package per cruiser
• À la carte breakfast on disembarkation day from 6:30am to 8:30am

Being able to drop off our bags was the best embarkation day perk

Our carry-on bags were heavier than usual since we both brought on a bottle of wine to save money on drinks during our weeklong cruise. 

As such, I was extremely grateful I didn't have to keep my backpack on my person while waiting for our stateroom. 

Instead, we utilized The Key's drop-off program. All we had to do was give the crew members our cabin number, and they tagged our bags. We didn't see them again until they were delivered to our stateroom. 

The Cruise Director came over the PA system around 1:00pm to announce that our cabins were finally ready, so we made our way to the cabin I booked on Deck 9 only to find that our backpacks weren't there yet. 

What was there, however, was a fresh fruit place with grapes, an apple, a pear, and a banana. This felt a little wasteful, as most of the fruit went uneaten. 

I would have preferred a form asking whether we wanted a plate and what our fruit preferences were. Alas, we weren't in a suite, so we got what was provided. 

Rather than waiting around in our interior cabin for our carry-on bags, we decided to take advantage of the ship's amenities and explore our home for the next week! 

My partner used one of her daily Diamond drink vouchers for a cocktail at Trellis Bar while taking in the sights of Central Park. She couldn't believe she was on a cruise ship! 

By the time we returned around 2:00pm, our bags had been delivered and placed directly on the bed. 

Truthfully, the delay wasn't a huge deal. I would have preferred to be slightly inconvenienced without my bag for a short time than have to carry it on my back for hours! 

The reserved seating and exclusive activity times required advance planning and was somewhat inconvenient

If you've ever sailed on an Oasis Class ship, you know that cruisers are serious about their shows. Whether it's a theater production or a high-diving spectacle, expect passengers with (or without) reservations to line up at least 45 minutes before showtime. 

Initally, the reserved seating excited me, as I typically end up on the far left or right of the AquaTheater. This time, we were guaranteed seats in the middle of the AquaTheater, which felt like a real treat—or it did until our show was canceled due to weather. 

As we funneled out of the Boardwalk, we hastily made our way to Studio B to salvage our night with the ice skating show. Since we didn't have reservations, we couldn't take advantage of the reserved seating since it was full when we arrived. 

Still, I thought we found great seats considering the ice skating show wasn't on our agenda until later in the week. 

That said, Royal Caribbean handled our canceled AquaTheater show incredibly well. Instead of having passengers scramble to find last-minute reservations for one of the existing shows, they added a separate showtime on Day 5 and automatically moved our reservation. 

As such, we finally got to try the reserved seating for inTENse. Though it was a nice perk, it wasn't game-changing. We could have scored similar seats by lining up early (and for a lot less money!).

Another benefit of The Key is private time for certain activities. However, we found the exclusive times inconvenient. 

Note, Royal Caribbean has since changed this benefit. Instead of a free Flowrider time, it's now just a discount on these sort of activities.

I prefer to experience onboard activities during the day, freeing up my nights for relaxing dinners, shows, and listening to live music—we didn't want to do the FlowRider at 7:30pm at night after freshening up for dinner!

The only reserved time we took advantage of was the zip line on Day 7 after we showed up to grab seats for a game show in Spotlight Karaoke only to realize it was already full.

The zip line had no wait, which was nice as we were harnessed up and flying over the Boardwalk before we knew it! We could have ridden it again but once was enough for us.

Easy disembarkation experience

Overall, The Key's disembarkation experience was about the same as the regular process. On the second-to-last night of our cruise, our cabin attendant left us special light blue disembarkation tags for our luggage. 

After packing our suitcases, we left our luggage in the hallway on the final evening and didn't see it again until we had made our way off the ship and to the luggage pick-up zone. 

In terms of the actual disembarkation, we skipped the private breakfast in favor of specialty lattes from Cafe Promenade. It felt silly to budget extra time in our morning to grab breakfast that we really did not want! 

Instead, after grabbing our coffee, we joined the short line to get off Wonder of the Seas. We passed through customs & immigration, collected our bags, and were waiting for our return Go Port bus by 7:45am. 

Though The Key didn't really make a difference for us, I could see the separate disembarkation line useful if trying to get off closer to 8:15 or 8:30am. 

While certain perks made the cruise experience feel more special, The Key wasn't worth it

There's no denying that dropping off our carry-on bags was a huge benefit that made embarkation day less stressful. However, the majority of the perks didn't justify the cost. 

For example, instead of spending money on The Key, I'd rather splurge on individual experiences, like a specialty meal on embarkation day—I'm certain Giovanni's would have been better than our mediocre MDR lunch!

Additionally, I think it's easy to line up for shows ahead of time and grab decent seats—and that doesn't cost anything extra! 

Though I felt special with the little key icon of my SeaPass, it certainly wasn't worth the $500+ we paid, even with Wi-Fi included. 

MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts' loyalty program, is launching enhanced benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. 

MGM and Royal Caribbean have had a longstanding loyalty match. If you're an Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society, you're eligible to be matched to MGM Rewards' Gold Tier. 

In addition to Sapphire and Pearl Tier benefits, Gold members receive access to an expedited reservations line, tier appreciation events, VIP line access to select nightclubs in Las Vegas, a waived resort fee when booking direct, complimentary valet parking at participating locations, and an enhanced room upon check-in. 

The 2025 upgrades take it one step further for MGM Rewards members looking to hit the high seas with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. 

Read more: Loyalty Perks Beyond the Cruise: Using Crown & Anchor Society Rewards on Land

Onboard FreePlay

Now, all MGM Rewards members will receive a new Onboard FreePlay benefit when sailing on any MGM Rewards loyalty offer, certificate offer, or group cruise. 

The amount received is based on the member's MGM tier status. For example, entry-level Sapphire members will receive $25, while top-tier NOIR members will receive $200 in Onboard Freeplay:

• Sapphire ($25)
• Pearl ($50)
• Gold ($75)
• Platinum ($100)
• NOIR ($200)

Read more: Royal Caribbean is adding a new casino to one of its ships in an unusual spot that non-smokers will love

This benefit isn't replacing the existing onboard credit offer for Gold, Platinum, and NOIR members. Instead, it’s an additional perk that will enhance the overall cruise experience and, arguably, encourage more time spent in the ship's casino. 

The onboard credit perk is based on the member's MGM Rewards tier status and can be spent on add-ons like specialty dining, drink packages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi:

• Gold ($125)
• Platinum ($200)
• NOIR ($300)

Note that these benefits aren't available to Crown & Anchor Society cruisers who matched into MGM Rewards, as the perks are available only to persons who earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with each level, or who were invited to the NOIR Tier Level during the Tier Status Earning Year based on spending. 

Read more: I gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean ships to earn free cruises. Here are my 10 hacks to maximize the cruise casino perks

Annual Cruise Benefit

What's a good way to encourage cruisers to visit the casino? By gifting them a free cruise, of course! As part of MGM Rewards' 2025 enhancements, more members have the chance to earn a free cruise.

Not only that, but qualifying members can enjoy upgraded staterooms, access to better itineraries, and more onboard benefits. Gold Tier members are also eligible for the benefit for the first time, and based on the tier, members can receive a set trade-in value:

• Gold: Oceanview cabin on an eligible voyage of up to five nights (or up to $750 toward a cruise of their choice)
• Platinum: Balcony cabin on an eligible voyage of up to seven nights (or up to $1,500 toward a cruise of their choice)
• NOIR: Junior Suite on an eligible voyage of up to ten nights (or up to $3,000 toward a cruise of their choice)

MGM Rewards members who have already redeemed their annual cruise can enjoy the upgraded perks by calling Royal Caribbean at 800-762-0702 or Celebrity at 855-227-2537. Have your booking number handy!

In addition to the annual cruise benefit, MGM Rewards launched exclusive stateroom savings on additional cruises:

• Pearl (5%)
• Gold (10%)
• Platinum (10%)
• NOIR (10%)

Read more: Royal Caribbean rolls the dice on a new casino to address a problem cruise passengers hated for years

New land perks

Not ready to commit to an ocean voyage or planning your pre-cruise stay? Through MGM's enhancements, loyalty members can match their status to Marriott Bonvoy:

• Pearl: Marriott Silver Elite status
• Gold: Marriott Gold Elite status
• Platinum: Marriott Gold Elite status (existing benefit)
• NOIR: Marriott Ambassador Elite status (existing benefit)

MGM is also selling e-gift cards at a discount, allowing guests the chance to save on their upcoming travels. All MGM members who purchase e-gift cards valued at $300 or more by March 28 will receive 5% off. 

Royal Caribbean has cutback a perk from its popular program that gives guests added benefits.

An update was sent to guests that purchased The Key to inform them of a change to the program.

The Key is an extra cost pass guests can purchase to give them extra perks. It has a daily cost and must be purchased prior to the cruise beginning and for the duration of the cruise.

Instead of offering complimentary private time for the FlowRider, guests with The Key will only get a 25% discount on select sports activities throughout the sailing.

You may apply this discount to as many sports activities as you'd like throughout your sailing – including Flowrider Lessons and Private Sessions.

Examples of other sports activities offered on a cruise include Pickleball intro clinics, and private time at the iFly skydiving simulator.

This discount may not be combined with any other pre-cruise/onboard offer for the booking.

According to Royal Caribbean, they believe this is more in line with the existing Key Package benefit of 20% off any Specialty Dining.

"We believe it will provide even greater value and enjoyment to your cruise experience," the email read.

To take advantage of this new discount, reservations for these activities can be made onboard and can be booked at any time of your sailing.

"I find this absolutely ridiculous"

Guests reacted quickly to the change, with many noting the reduction in benefits.

Brock23 posted on the Royal Caribbean message boards, "The only time that we ever used the Flowrider was during the complementary private time. Now they take that away and trying to and get more money from you. 

"Having you book a $500 Flowrider private session. I find this absolutely ridiculous another way they're nickeling and dime everyone that's paying huge amounts of money to go on these boats."

Bcnhot posted on Reddit, "Honestly, I feel a little bit pissed right now, especially because of the way it is written, as if what they are offering is a better deal."

Spam_in_a_can_06 thinks this might benefit some, "Most people with Key didn’t use the open Flowrider because it’s always at odd times. This might be a better deal overall."

MedicalButterscotch is a helpful moderator on the Royal Caribbean subreddit and shared, "Absolutely a downgrade. Don't hesitate to cancel the Key if this sways your decision."

Is it worth buying The Key?

With the change in the Flowrider perk, does it still make sense to get The Key?

The cost of The Key depends on the sailing, but its listed as regularly costing $44.99 per person and must be bought for all guests at least 6 years or older in the cabin when purchased.

The included Flowrider session (and now discounted activity option) was likely never one of the most popular or beneficial perks of The Key.

In my experience, most people buy The Key because it includes:

• Priority embarkation
• Priority disembarkation
• Carry-on luggage assistance
• Includes internet
• Welcome aboard lunch

Because the Flowrider is such a demanding activity and a bit daunting to those who may find it too physically challenging, its inclusion or removal was always going to be somewhat niche.

Regardless of the change, I've said many times I don't see the value of The Key because of how heavy the benefits are on only embarkation day, and the fact many benefits can be attained on your own with the right knowledge.

You can get an early check-in time if you do your online check-in exactly 45 days before the cruise begins.

You could book Chops Grille for lunch on embarkation day and still enjoy a nice welcome aboard lunch.

Whether you have The Key or not, you still need to make reservations for the shows on Oasis and Quantum Class ships.  And the reserved seats aren't always the best seats in the house. They're just a special section, that you're required to be at quite early.

And you can always get a good pre-cruise discount on an internet package. In fact, many times it's cheaper to buy your family a multi-device internet package to share.

Usually the argument to buying the Key is for an "easy button" approach to cruising, especially when there's a good sale on it that is offered at just a little bit more than what an Voom package costs.